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Obesity prevention and public health

Crawford, David and Jeffery, Robert 2005, Obesity prevention and public health Oxford University Press, Oxford, England.


Title Obesity prevention and public health
Author(s) Crawford, David
Jeffery, Robert
Editor(s) Crawford, David
Jeffery, Robert
Publication date 2005
Total pages xiii, 338 p.
Publisher Oxford University Press
Place of Publication Oxford, England
Keyword(s) Obesity -- Prevention
Obesity -- Treatment
Summary More than 22 million children under five are now obese or overweight. Globally, an estimated 10% of school-aged children, between five and 17 years old, are overweight or obese, and the situation is getting worse. Although recognised clinically for some time as an important condition that increases risk of ill-health in affected individuals, it is only recently, that obesity has been recognised as a population-wide problem that requires preventive action. Obesity is a major contributor to diseases and disability, the associated health costs are enormous, obesity has already reached epidemic proportions in many countries, and incidence is continuing to increase in children and adults. Disturbingly the epidemic is not confined to developed countries, with many developing countries and those in transition affected. While recognised as a major population health problem, our understanding of the causes of the epidemic is poor, there has been relatively little population-based research that has focused on the prevention of unhealthy weight gain, and as a consequence knowledge regarding how and where best to intervene is limited. This book draws together the existing literature and expertise and with a view to helping set the agenda for public health action. The book is divided into three sections. Part 1 provides an overview of the context of the problem. It examines the epidemiology of obesity, the role of behavioural factors, socio-cultural factors and environmental factors in the obesity epidemic. Part 2 reviews interventions across a range of key settings and in different population groups - drawing on existing research that has aimed to increase physical activity, promote healthy eating and prevent obesity at a population level. Given how little research there is that has specifically examined the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing obesity per se, Part 3 explores potential opportunities to prevent obesity
Notes Contents: 1. The epidemiology of obesity: a global perspective -- 2. The role of nutrition and physical activity in the obesity epidemic -- 3. The role of socio-cultural factors in the obesity epidemic -- 4. Evolving environmental factors in the obesity epidemic -- 5. The implications of the nutrition transition for obesity in the developing world -- 6. Population approaches to promote healthy eating hbeaviors -- 7. Population approaches to increasing physical activity among children and adults -- 8. Population approaches to obesity prevention -- 9. The cost-effectiveness of obesity prevention -- 10. Opportunities to prevent obesity in children with families: an ecological approach -- 11. Drawing possible lessons for obesity prevention and control from the tobacco control experience -- 12. The potential for policy initiatives to address the obesity epidemic: a legal perspective from the United States -- 13. The potential of food regulation as a policy instrument for obesity prevention in developing countries -- 14. The need for courageous action to prevent obesity.
ISBN 019856600X
9780198566007
Language eng
Field of Research 111799 Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified
HERDC Research category A7 Edited book
ERA Research output type X Not reportable
Copyright notice ©2005, Oxford University Press
Persistent URL http://hdl.handle.net/10536/DRO/DU:30010369

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